Scholarship Notices from NBLSA

The National Executive Board is pleased to announce the release of its 2010-2011 scholarship and social action award applications. Every year NBLSA acknowledges the academic success, strong leadership skills and chapter involvement of its members by presenting them with scholarships and awards at its annual national convention. We appreciate your continued involvement and commitment to our programming and look forward to honoring you this year. We encourage you to learn more about our scholarships and awards. Apply today!

Best of Luck on Your Submissions,

The 2010-2011 National Executive Board

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College Student Division

If you have questions about college student division scholarship opportunities please contactcollegestudentdivision@nblsa.org.

Nelson Mandela Scholarship
Application Deadline: January 15, 2011

The Nelson Mandela Scholarship is a $1000 Scholarship offered exclusively to two (2) CSD members to be applied towards their law school expenses. The recipients of this award will be provided with room and transportation to the 2011 NBLSA National Convention held March 9-13, 2011 in Houston, TX to accept their awards. Apply today!

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General Scholarships

If you have questions about general scholarship opportunities please contacteducationcareer@nblsa.org.

Sandy Brown Memorial Scholarship
Application Deadline: December 31, 2010

The Executive Board of the National Black Law Students Association is pleased to announce the annual Sandy Brown Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is named after the late Sandy Brown, a past NBLSA western regional director and will be given in her honor. To be eligible for this award, entrants must currently be in their first or second year of law school. Apply today!

NBLSA Most Outstanding Student Award
Application Deadline: December 31, 2010

The purpose of this award is to recognize the NBLSA member who has excelled academically, in addition to being active in their BLSA chapter and community. To be eligible for an award, entrants must be first, second, or third year law students. Apply today!

Rodney Pulliam Memorial Scholarship
Application Deadline: December 31, 2010

The Executive Board of the National Black Law Students Association is pleased to announce the annual Rodney Pulliam Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Pulliam served as our National Chair for the 1998-1999 academic year. Mr. Pulliam was an inspiration to all who knew him as a husband, father, minister, attorney and community activist. This award will recognize a NBLSA member who exemplifies Mr. Pulliam's dedication to social action and community service and is intended to be used exclusively toward a bar preparation course. To be eligible for an award, entrants must be a third year law student who plans to work in the public interest sector following graduation. Apply today!

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Social Action Awards

If you have questions about social action award opportunities please contactsocialaction@nblsa.org.

Oliver White Hill, Sr. Social Action Award

Application Deadline: February 28, 2011

This award will be presented to individuals who are active in the community, advocating on behalf of social justice initiatives. Those who continuously promote equality and justice for all mankind should apply. In addition, the award will recognize an individual who has used creativity and hard work to successfully implement NBLSA's national initiatives. Apply today!

Johnnie L. Cochran Social Consciousness Award

Application Deadline: February 28, 2011

The Johnnie Cochran Social Consciousness Award recognizes social action at the chapter level. Chapters whose initiatives best represent his life's work are encouraged to apply. Apply today!

IMPORTANT: Health Advisory from State Department

Due to a drop in water pressure last night, the State Department of Health and Hospitals and the Sewerage and Water Board have released a precautionary boil water advisory for the entire east bank of the New Orleans.

Citizens are urged to boil their tap water vigorously for at least one full minute prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water begins to bubble). This includes water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparation of drinks, and water for pets. Wait for the water to cool before using it, or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container. You should throw away ice made during the time the advisory or notice was issued, as freezing does not kill bacteria.

This boil water advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

What are you thankful for?

BLSA is thankful for the community we have at Tulane. In the spirit of the community, we hope you will join us for Thanksgiving today at 1pm in the MPR.

Bring your favorite dish, but we'll forgive you if you forgot to make it.

This is our last event for the semester, so be sure to come out!

Arent Fox Scholarship Opportunity for 1Ls

Arent Fox is seeking applicants for its 6th Annual Diversity Scholarship Program. The firm will award three first-year law students $15,000. The scholarship recipients will also join Arent Fox's 2011 Summer Associate Program. Each of the firm's three offices - Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC - will host a scholar this summer. Candidates may only apply to one office.

Arent Fox will accept program applications from first-year law students beginning December 1, 2010 through January 15, 2011. For consideration, the full application package must be received before the January 15th deadline (please note that law grades must be forwarded thereafter upon receipt).

Please view our online application for eligibility requirements and a list of application materials:

http://www.arentfox.com/firm/diversity/index.cfm?fa=scholarship

Sincerely,

Libby Z. Tracy

Attorney Recruitment and Professional Development Coordinator

BLSA and Environmental Law Society Host Ben Wilson

Join us on Tuesday, November 16 at 11:30 for a conversation with Ben Wilson, Managing Principal at Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. Mr. Wilson will speak about his career in environmental law, contemporary environmental issues and their impact on minority communities, and opportunities for involvement in environmental law.

Lunch will be provided!

Tuesday, November 16 at 11:30
Room 214
Co-sponsored by BLSA and Environmental Law Society

GENERAL BODY MEETING

BLSA's final General Body Meeting of the semester is this Wednesday, November 10, at 7pm. Meet us in Room 151 for an update on the rest of the semester, and preview ways to be an active member in the Spring.

Also, Wednesday night will be the final chance for you to express an interest in getting partial BLSA funding to attend the 40th Annual Southern Regional Black Law Students Association Convention. The convention is January 12-16, 2011, in Raleigh, NC. This year's convention will also feature a job fair, so make sure to check out the registration materials before Wednesday if you are interested in attending.

See you there!

the Legal Studies Institute: Application Deadline 02.11.2011

LEGAL STUDIES INSTITUTE

** Legal Internships and Constitutional Course Credit in Washington, DC**
May 21 – July 30, 2011

www.LegalStudiesDC.org

Early Deadline: February 11, 2011

The Legal Studies Institute provides the opportunity for law students to gain a first-hand look at the American legal system through guaranteed legal internships, a 3-credit constitutional law course, guest speakers and briefings, and professional development activities.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

· Legal Internship: Participants will be placed in a 9-week summer associate position, clerkship or legal internship where they will work full-time and gain substantive experience in the legal profession. Placement sites include law firms, courts, public interest organizations and the legal departments of trade associations, corporations and government agencies.

· Briefings and Activities: Participants will attend private briefings at institutions of the judicial, legislative and executive branches and will meet with prominent judges, lawyers and judicial scholars. Last year’s class met with Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and D.C. Federal Court of Appeals Judge Douglas Ginsburg.

· Career Development Activities: Workshops will be held to help prepare participants for success in their law careers, and planned networking events will facilitate professional interaction.

· Attorney Mentor Program: Each participant will be matched with an experienced lawyer who will serve as a professional mentor during and after the program.

· 3-Credit Course on Constitutional Law: Participants will attend a course on Constitutional law for the first week of the Institute. The course is accredited by Ohio Northern University College of Law and is taught by leading legal scholars, including Professor John Baker of Louisiana State University and Dr. Roger Pilon of the Cato Institute.

· Housing: Students will live in fully-furnished apartments in downtown Washington, DC and are matched with other Institute participants. The apartments provide easy access to the DC metro transportation system.

· Scholarships: 75% of students receive scholarship awards based on financial need and merit. Merit Scholarships are also available, providing $3,500 towards tuition and housing costs. Please click here for more information on the Merit Scholarships:www.DCinternships.org/LSI/admissions/merit_scholarships.asp.

“LSI was the most remarkable experience for which I could have asked. I met wonderful people, was placed in an intellectually stimulating internship, and was offered many professional opportunities. If I could, I would participate again in a heartbeat.”

Jeremy Clare, University of Texas School of Law

Legal Intern, Safari Club International

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply by the early deadline of February 11, 2011 to receive priority admissions consideration and a 5% discount on their tuition balance. Many legal internship sites request resumes early in the year for their upcoming summer positions, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To request an informational brochure, please visit this link: www.DCinternships.org/tfas/brochure/index.asp

A Message from the NBLSA Executive Office

Dear NBLSA Family, On Tuesday, November 2, 2010, we have an incredible opportunity to participate in our democratic process. I write on the eve of our midterm elections to encourage you to vote and to share this reminder with others. Why vote? Because each of us has an issue we are passionate about such as education, the environment, civil rights, the economy, and healthcare. No matter what your focus is, legislation plays an important role. Your vote tomorrow will help determine not only the election, but also the future of your cause and our nation. Why vote? Because we are law students and future attorneys. Our active advocacy on behalf of others rings hollow if we are unwilling to add our voices to America’s marketplace of ideas. Your vote will contribute to the direction of our great democracy. Why vote? Because voting is a meaningful expression of American citizenship for which Blacks have historically fought. We have an obligation to continue to exercise this everyday freedom for which so many have sacrificed their lives. Your vote will honor the legacy of their struggle for empowerment. For these reasons, voter education and election protection remain core NBLSA initiatives. Even today, situations may arise, intentionally or inadvertently, that work to disenfranchise us as well as our neighbors, family, and friends. Equal access to the ballot is not accomplished without constant vigilance. We have partnered with theElection Protection Coalition to ensure all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. If you experience or become aware of a problem at the polls, please contact the Election Protection Coalition at 1-866-OUR VOTE. You may also notify NBLSA by contacting us at vote@nblsa.org. I hope you will join me in exercising our right to vote by casting a ballot tomorrow. All the best, Melinda M. Hightower University of Virginia School of Law, Class of 2011 National Chair, 2010-2011 National Black Law Students Association